Modern crocodilians are adapted to aquatic environments with long snouts, strong tails and powerful jaws.

Yet contrary to popular belief, scientists now suggest that the basic body structure of crocodiles, alligators and ghariels evolved from a diverse group of prehistoric reptiles with different body shapes.

Artist's impression of Simosuchus clarki

Since first discovering the unusual crocodilian Simosuchus clarki ten years ago, palaeontologists have worked to recover its fossil from Madagascar.

A decade later, a near-complete skeleton has been achieved, and its analysis has reignited discussion on the evolution of modern crocodilians.

"The skull and lower jaw in particular are preserved almost completely," says Nathan J. Kley, co-editor of the recent study in the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Memoir.

"This, combined with high-resolution CT scans of the most exquisitely preserved specimen, has allowed us to describe the structure of the head skeleton - both externally and internally - in exceptional detail, including even the pathways of the tiniest nerves and blood vessels," he says.

Tank-like

S. clarki differs greatly to other crocodilians with a blunt snout, short tail and "tank-like" body.

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